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Big updates on campus 🏗

Southwest Middle School is getting a new campus
Rendering of the new Southwest Middle School from the outside
Construction has begun on modern new buildings at Southwest Middle School. | Rendering provided by Straughn Trout Architects
Southwest Middle School at 2815 Eden Pkwy. has a brand new look. Following a groundbreaking ceremony held in September 2022, Polk County Public Schools celebrated the opening of the refreshed campus in March 2024.

The goal of the $55 million+ Southwest Middle School Campus Modernization master plan was to update the entire school, which was founded in 1956. Around 800+ students are currently enrolled — now that construction is finished, capacity could increase to around 1,350 students.

An outdoor courtyard at Southwest Middle School pictured at dusk. A two-story building and another building with an outdoor seating area are connected with curved sidewalks. Between the paths are light poles and newly planted trees.

Staff + students are already using the newly built facilities.

Photo via Polk County Public Schools

How will the middle school accommodate all those extra students? A new two-story building totaling more than 175,000 sqft includes:
  • Administrative offices
  • Classrooms + laboratories
  • Media center
  • Fine arts suite
  • Combined cafeteria + auditorium
  • Outdoor dining space
An open outdoor seating area at Southwest Middle School. Picnic-style tables with seats are covered with a roof outside of an indoor seating area.

Students can hang out outdoors in the new courtyard.

Photo via Polk County Public Schools

In addition to these features, there’s also a new bus loop, parent pick-up + drop-off location, and lit fields. Is it normal to be jealous of middle schoolers?

Students and teachers have been using the updated buildings since January 2024 — next, most of the older structures will be demolished, barring the original physical education facility, gym, and science building.

Rendering of the exterior Southwest Middle School courtyard and school building
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Rendering provided by Straughn Trout Architects

Rendering of the new Southwest Middle School from the outside
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Rendering provided by Straughn Trout Architects

Rendering of the new entrance to Southwest Middle School
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Rendering provided by Straughn Trout Architects
The Southwest Middle School Campus Modernization project is funded by impact fees + Polk County’s half-cent sales tax. Compare these original renderings from fall 2022 with the finished project.
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Today
  • Lunch Pop-Ups at Catapult: Flourish Baking Co. | Every Friday until Nov. 18 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Catapult, 502 E. Main St. | The Flourish Baking Co. menu features yummy brunch items + nostalgic flavors — part of Catapult’s lunch series out on their patio each Friday. 🍳 *
  • I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change | Fri., Sept. 16 | 7:30 p.m. | Lakeland Community Theatre | $20+ | This witty musical revue tackles modern love in all its forms.
  • Nick Peters @ Lakeland Loft | Fri., Sept. 16 | 9 p.m.-12 a.m. | Lakeland Loft, 108 S. Tennessee Ave. | Free | The key to starting the weekend right is live music from solo pianist Nick Peters. 🎹
Saturday
  • 2022 Project Hoco Shopping Days | Sat., Sept. 17 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Lakeland Square Mall | Free | Students can sign a pledge to make safe choices during homecoming + receive free formal wear — bring a Polk County School ID to shop. 👗
  • Hollis Garden Community Plant Swap 2022 | Sat., Sept. 17 | 9-10:30 a.m. | Hollis Garden | Free | Bring your plants, seeds, and gardening tools to swap with other gardeners. 🪴
  • POWer in Pink 5K Race | Sat., Sept. 17 | 8-11 a.m. | Joker Marchant Stadium, 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd. | $35+ | The Breast Cancer Foundation of Central Florida is hosting this 5K run/walk to kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
  • Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic | Sat. Sept. 17 | 10:30 a.m. + 2:30 p.m. | $41+ | Sing + dance along with your favorite Sesame Street characters in this show featuring magic illusions. 🪄
Sunday
  • DJ Trinidad @ Federal Bar | Sun., Sept. 18 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Federal Bar | Free | Enjoy Federal Bar’s new brunch menu with mimosas + bloody marys as DJ Trinidad spins your favorite tunes.
  • Shoreline Sundays with John Frinzi w/ Big Baby Bitez | Sun., Sept. 18 | 2-5 p.m. | Swan Brewing | Free | Listen to singer-songwriter John Frinzi bring the tunes while enjoying your favorite menu items from Big Baby Bitez. 🍔
Plan Ahead
  • 100th Anniversary of Water Ski | Fri., Oct. 21-Sun., Oct. 23 | 10 a.m. | Lake Silver | Free | Watch history unfold at this tournament commemorating the centennial celebration of waterskiing. 🌊 *

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

For tickets to local and regional events, check out our 6AM Tickets resale marketplace.*
100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather
  • 85º | Thunderstorms | 70% chance of rain
Number
  • $19.5 million. That’s how much The Salvation Army West Polk County will spend to double the size of its George W. Jenkins Community of Hope. The neighborhood, which provides transitional housing for families experiencing homelessness, will add 30+ housing units, an administration building, and a community center. 🏘 (LkldNow)
Open
  • Lakeland’s first Egyptian restaurant, Street Cafe, has now opened in partnership with Charlie’s Mini Donuts & Coffee (1023 E. County Rd. 540A). Stop in Tuesdays + Thursdays from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. to try shawarma, bellah, and more flavorful dishes inspired by owner Marianne Garas’ heritage. (The Ledger)
Real Estate
  • Lakeland home buyers might be interested to hear that home prices may decrease as mortgage interest rates rise. With a growing population + a “significantly overvalued” housing market, experts expect a moderate price decrease on Lakeland homes. We’re already eyeing our new Lake Hollingsworth home. (WFTS)
Arts
  • Sashay over to Florida Dance Theatre’s upcoming events. Join Cocktails and Choreography on Sat., Oct. 15 at The Well (114 E. Parker St.) to craft the perfect cocktail + dance number. Then, enjoy contemporary dance at The Golden Age of Jazz season opener on Fri., Oct. 21 at Florida Southern College. 💃
Biz
  • The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce’s 15th Annual CarBQ employee appreciation event is back on Fri., Oct. 21 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Two Men and a Truck (3220 Atlantic Ave.). Order meals now to fill your staff with tasty barbecue and your gratitude, or sign up to volunteer. 🍖
Cause
  • United Way of Central Florida has welcomed new officers + directors to lead the group for the 2022-2023 term. Ashley Bell Barnett was elected as Board Chair and 15 other community members will serve as directors or board members. See how you can get involved as a volunteer here.
Ranked
  • No. 1. That’s what Lakeland ranked on the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America’s list of the most challenging places in the south to live with asthma. Rankings were based on factors like asthma prevalence + asthma-related emergency department visits. (WFLA)
Feel Good
  • Even after nearly 70 years, Fred’s Market founder Evelyn Johnson still loves visiting the restaurant she started with her husband in 1954. She turned 95 years old on Monday and celebrated with a party in the restaurant. Visit the Plant City or Lakeland locations for Southern staples. 🍽 (Fox 13 News)
Civic
  • Nominations are open for judges for the new Sixth District Court of Appeals created this June. Although a new $50 million courthouse was vetoed earlier this year, the court will still be based in Lakeland. If this news appeals to you, nominations are due by Fri., Oct. 21. 🧑‍⚖️ (The Ledger)
Drink
  • Did you know? Coconut water is packed with healthy antioxidants + electrolytes, which means it’s a great way to boost your hydration. Try it for yourself with Vita Coco Coconut Water from Publix GreenWise Market— it’s buy two, get one free through Wed., Sept. 21. 🥥 *
Celebrate
  • We want to wish a happy birthday to our teammate Connor, LALtoday City Editor. Happy birthday, Connor! 🎉
Health
  • Did you know that laughter lowers levels of stress hormones + can reduce inflammation in the arteries? Here are two more self-care tips for stress relief.*
Travel
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Day at the museum 🖼

A Guide to Central Florida Museums
An exterior shot of the Polk Museum of Art in Lakeland, FL
Tour the exhibit “Rodin: Contemplation and Dreams” this weekend. | Photo by LALtoday
Tomorrow, Sat., Sept. 17 is Museum Day, and you can get free admission to hundreds of museums, thanks to Smithsonian. For a free ticket, find the museum you want to visit on this list and get general admission for two guests.

Make a day trip out of it + visit one of these participating Central Florida museums:
6 MORE CENTRAL FLORIDA MUSEUMS
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THE WRAP
Today’s edition was written by Connor.

Editor’s pick: You heard right — today is my birthday. 🎉 I’ll be celebrating tonight at Craft + Kitchen with a huge skillet cookie and two Swan City Improv performances at 7:30 + 9 p.m. (If I see you there, just remember my favorite cake flavor is red velvet.)

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? See how local organizations are using $6.2 million in grant funding, here.
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Editorial: Rilee Delgado, Connor Keith, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Kaylee Holland, Ashlea Hearn, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

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